Veterans deserve so much better

Reading an article in a local newspaper, I saw a story saying Army reductions are causing separations. It’s getting harder and harder to stay in the Army.

Jack L. DanielsDeRidder

Reading an article in a local newspaper, I saw a story saying Army reductions are causing separations. It’s getting harder and harder to stay in the Army.Officials projected as many as 15,000 soldiers could be booted for misconduct or not meeting the required standards such as physical fitness and weight control. The Army also estimates it will separate 11,000 active-duty soldiers who have been backlogged in the military’s disability evaluation system. With Memorial Day right around the corner, is this any way to honor our American troops? There are altogether too many politicians influencing our military today.When our young people sign up to defend and serve our country’s freedoms, with the possibility of being killed or maimed for life, they deserve the best in every respect. What we hear mostly these days is the cost in dollars in wars, conflicts. What we should be mostly concerned with is the cost of our soldiers’ lives and their complete care in the after-actions.If we had leaders who had wartime combat experiences, we certainly would have fewer wars, and when committed to war by the president with our Congress, we would be committed to win.I, for one, do not like the direction we are going, especially for our military. Today, our American troops are fighting shadows. The constant complaint in our news is always the cost. My complaint is the cost in human military lives.